SPECIAL SESSION F - Gov DeSantis calls Legislature back to town

Governor DeSantis has called the Legislators back to Tallahassee just a few days after they finished their work on the state's budget. He promotes a sweeping homestead tax proposal during a Tampa appearance. I have attached the Proclamation for Special Session F.  He has called them in from June 1 to June 3. The proposal would first increase the current homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000, then phase in larger exemptions over time. DeSantis said the plan would provide long-term relief for Floridians struggling with rising housing costs and soaring assessments. 

The Governor also proposed limiting remaining property tax revenue to “core services” such as schools, police and firefighters while creating a multibillion-dollar state trust fund to help local governments during the transition. Critics warn the proposal could devastate city and county budgets that rely heavily on property taxes to fund infrastructure, flood mitigation, parks and other local services. Local government groups cautioned that the lost revenue would likely shift costs elsewhere rather than eliminate them.

The amendment would still require approval from both the Legislature and 60% of Florida voters. But with affordability concerns dominating statewide politics, DeSantis is betting aggressive tax relief could become one of the defining political fights of the coming year.  The Senate President appears to be aligned with the Governor. President Albritton said in his communication with the Senators, "I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate America’s 250 than the passage of $250,000 in tax relief for every Florida homeowner. I believe this amendment will provide meaningful relief for Florida families, while protecting businesses from extreme tax increases and safeguarding local funding for public safety, education and our clean water infrastructure."